Lima Beans

Some dictionaries tell you that Lima Beans are known in Spanish speaking countries as Habas. Don't you believe it. The Haba is about the same size as the large Lima but is an off-color yellow with a strong, pungent taste far different from that of the Lima Bean. In fact, many people find the Haba distasteful.

The closest thing which I have found here in Mexico is the large white bean known as Alubia. But the taste of this bean is rather bland and lacks the delicate flavor of the Lima Bean. The small Alubia can be used as a substitute for the Navy Bean but lacks the Navy Bean flavor as well.

Perhaps Esperanza, the moderator of this forum can guide us to the proper Lima Bean and Navy Bean substitutes.

Re: [jerezano] Lima Beans

jerezano, You're correct, since true Haba "beans" really aren't beans at all, they are the seeds of the Haba plant, which is from a totally different family and, contrary to real beans, all of which originated in the Americas, Habas originated in the Mediterranean area.

That said, true lima beans ARE sold in México, at least in some parts of México, and they ARE labeled Habas, at least in the northwest where I live. I have cooked them any number of times, and I guarantee you, what I cooked were Lima beans, NOT Habas. They may be what you are seeing called Alubias, but in my case the ones I have cooked were definitely Lima beans, color, flavor, cooked consistency and all. I've not checked out the smaller white beans that look like Navy beans, as Navy beans weren't something I grew up with or cooked myself NOB. In my family NOB, Lima beans and Pinto beans were the only ones we ever cooked.

Re: [jerezano] Lima Beans

I think you've already found them. I love habas, but for their own deliciously bitter merits, I agree they are quite different from lima beans. Also like you, I use alubia grande when a recipe calls for lima beans and alubia chica for navy beans. Hungry minds think alike?

Re: [Maesonna] Lima Beans

Here's a recipe for a faux-Mexican alubia grande dish, based on a NOB lima bean recipe. It could be classified as a sort of Mexican-inspired cassoulet. It turned out tastier than I expected from the ingredients. Enjoy! The recipe.How I made it.

Re: [mazbook1] Lima Beans

David, I was just going to ask you about this. I was in Ley and looked at the Habas and could tell they weren't limas! Ah, well. Mega has fresh basil, green and purple both, in case you get in the mood for Thai.

Re: [MazDee] Lima Beans

Stupid question but why this much time and effort spent on lima beans? Did like them as a kid and still don't care for them as an adult! Just my opinion but they are right in there with brussel sprouts, eggplant and some other off the wall food items. Regards, Neil Albuquerque, NM